Summer Shoals Retreat is a beautiful river front private campground. We have both sleep cabins and tent sites on a mowed bank or backwoods camping on the Cumberland River. We are located 15 mins southwest of Williamsburg Kentucky within the Wild and Scenic Cumberland River corridor. We are within a 10 minute hike to trails that will take you into the Daniel Boone National Forest.



Summer Shoals Retreat

## Overview

Holly Bay, located two miles north of the Laurel River Dam, sits on the west side of Laurel River Lake. Visitors enjoy the campground for its proximity to the water and beautifully forested location. Plus, Holly Bay is ideal for activities like power boating, canoeing and fishing.   
  
The forest was named after Daniel Boone, a famous frontiersman and explorer who settled in Kentucky in the late 18th century.

## Recreation

Boating and water skiing are a big hit. A boat ramp and fish cleaning station are located a short distance from the campground.   
  
Hikers take pleasure in the 4.2-mile Sheltowee Trace Trail that leads from the campground to the dam.

## Facilities

The campground offers single and double-family campsites, some of which have 20, 30 or 50-amp electric hookups. Some campsites overlook the lake.  
  
  
  
Flush toilets (one is accessible), two shower houses, drinking water and a dump station are provided. Firewood and ice are available for purchase. Educational programs are held during the summer.

[AmericanLL.com](http://www.AmericanLL.com)

## Natural Features

Most campsites are surrounded by a mixture of hardwood trees that provide picture-perfect colors in autumn. Laurel River Lake spans 5,600 acres of deep, clear water and 192 miles of cliff-lined shore. Bountiful hills from the Appalachian foothills create a backdrop for the lake area. 

## Nearby Attractions

Head to the Cumberland Falls Trail that begins at Cumberland Falls and ends at the mouth of the Laurel River. This trail is a 30-45 minute drive from the campground.

Holly Bay

Grove Boat-In Campground

Wilderness Road - Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

In March 2019 a record flood devastated the campground, boat ramp, and trails in this area. Bee Rock Campground will remain closed until recreation facilities are safely restored. View Bee Rock Closure Order. To find other campgrounds nearby, contact the London Ranger District at 606-864-4163, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Campground facilities at nearby Laurel River Lake open on April 12.Bee Rock Campground, located on London Ranger District, has developed campsites on both sides of the Rockcastle River. The campground is a US Fee Area. The Laurel County side, with 9 sites, is open all year. The Pulaski County side, with 19 sites, is open from mid-April through mid-October. An overlook along Bee Rock Loop Trail provides a scenic view of the rocks and cliffs along Rockcastle River. Bee Rock Boat Rampprovides river access. The campground features Old Sublimity Bridge, a historic structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) in the late 1930s. The stone used in the abutments was quarried from the adjacent sandstone cliffs. The bridge has been restored for foot travel only. The name Bee Rock comes from a local legend which states that a large number of wild honeybees used to live in this area, using a hollow area under this cliff as their hive. Tired of the wild honeybees invading their hives, local beekeepers dynamited the rock, destroying the hive and causing honey to flow down the cliff into the Rockcastle River. Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your visit to Bee Rock Campground. Learn more... Bee Rock Campground Map Campfires are permitted in fire rings only. Make sure fires are out before retiring at night or when leaving your campsite. Parking is available at campsites, boat ramp and overflow parking area. Restrooms are accessible vault toilets. Drinking water is available except during winter months. No climbing or rappelling from cliffs, arches or other rock formations at Bee Rock Overlook. Low lying areas are prone to flooding, so be alert for flooding when driving, camping or crossing streams in this area. Swift currents and undertows can make swimming and wading very hazardous. View Bee Rock Campground Guide & Map (pdf) Nearby Trails: Bee Rock Loop Trail #529 Rockcastle Narrows Trail #503 Rockcastle Connector Trail #401A Sheltowee Trace Section 25

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